1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit 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 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 191 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 311 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 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 350 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 286 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 72 L |
