1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2001 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 20 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 28 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 361 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2001 Hyundai Sonata, 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. 2001 Hyundai Sonata 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. 2001 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Hyundai Sonata | |
Make | Lotus | Hyundai |
Model | Esprit | Sonata |
Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 159 HP | 131 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1428 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1590 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |