1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 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 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 364 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Esprit | Elise |
Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 756 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 38 L |