1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 24 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 180 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 73 L |
