1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Peugeot 407
To start off, 2003 Peugeot 407 is newer by 22 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 46 more horse power than 2003 Peugeot 407. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Peugeot 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Peugeot 407 weights approximately 333 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, 2003 Peugeot 407, 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Peugeot 407. (163 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Peugeot 407.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Peugeot 407 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 407 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1749 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
