1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 2005 Seat Ibiza 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2005 Seat Ibiza. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Ibiza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Ibiza weights approximately 598 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, 2005 Seat Ibiza, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Seat Ibiza. (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Seat Ibiza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 13.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
