1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Esprit | Esprit |
Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 264 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 480 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4340 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 72 L |