1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2005 Toyota Camry 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Camry (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Camry weights approximately 448 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 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 Toyota Camry, 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, 2005 Toyota Camry (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Camry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Camry |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
