1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser
To start off, 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser 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 2,982 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser weights approximately 610 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser 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, 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser 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, 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser (295 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Land Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 75 L |
