1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Toyota Corolla is newer by 16 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 74 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (85 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 17 kg more than 1997 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Toyota Corolla, 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (121 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
