1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1994 Suzuki Vitara 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1994 Suzuki Vitara. (94 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1994 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 155 kg more than 1994 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Suzuki Vitara. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Esprit | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2210 mm |
