1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Renault Espace
To start off, 2002 Renault Espace 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 2,944 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Renault Espace (174 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Renault Espace weights approximately 778 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.
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, 2002 Renault Espace, 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, 2002 Renault Espace (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Renault Espace 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. 2002 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Espace |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 83 L |
