1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Toyota Previa
To start off, 2003 Toyota Previa 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Previa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Previa. (157 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Previa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Previa weights approximately 405 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 Toyota Previa, 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, both vehicles can yield 221 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Previa |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2900 mm |
