1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Vauxhall Monaro
To start off, 2004 Vauxhall Monaro 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Vauxhall Monaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Vauxhall Monaro (329 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Vauxhall Monaro should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Vauxhall Monaro weights approximately 588 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 Vauxhall Monaro (465 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Vauxhall Monaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Vauxhall Monaro | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Esprit | Monaro |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2800 mm |
