1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Jaguar S-Type
To start off, 1999 Jaguar S-Type is newer by 18 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Jaguar S-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jaguar S-Type (238 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jaguar S-Type should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jaguar S-Type weights approximately 484 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, 1999 Jaguar S-Type (293 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Jaguar S-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1999 Jaguar S-Type has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Jaguar S-Type will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Jaguar S-Type | |
| Make | Lotus | Jaguar |
| Model | Esprit | S-Type |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 70 L |
