1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Seat Alhambra
To start off, 1996 Seat Alhambra is newer by 15 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Seat Alhambra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Seat Alhambra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Seat Alhambra weights approximately 708 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Seat Alhambra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Seat Alhambra. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Seat Alhambra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Seat Alhambra | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Alhambra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2830 mm |
