1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Maserati MC12
To start off, 2004 Maserati MC12 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Maserati MC12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Maserati MC12 (622 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 464 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Maserati MC12 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Maserati MC12 weights approximately 215 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.
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, 2004 Maserati MC12 (652 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Maserati MC12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Maserati MC12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Esprit | MC12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 622 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 652 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2100 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 88 L |
