1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2006 Mazda Tribute is newer by 25 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda Tribute (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 9 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 2006 Mazda Tribute 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, 2006 Mazda Tribute 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, 2006 Mazda Tribute (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Mazda Tribute has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | Tribute |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
