1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2004 Opel Zafira 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 59 more horse power than 2004 Opel Zafira. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Zafira weights approximately 273 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, 2004 Opel Zafira, 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Zafira. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Zafira.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 58 L |
