1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Vector M12
To start off, 1998 Vector M12 is newer by 17 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 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Vector M12 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Vector |
| Model | Esprit | M12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
