1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Lexus IS
To start off, 2004 Lexus IS is newer by 23 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 5 more horse power than 2004 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lexus IS weights approximately 280 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lexus IS. 2004 Lexus IS 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. 2004 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Lexus IS | |
Make | Lotus | Lexus |
Model | Esprit | IS |
Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 153 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 195 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |