1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2005 Subaru Legacy 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Legacy (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 375 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.
Because 2005 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Legacy (226 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
