1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
To start off, 2006 Mitsubishi Raider 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 4,703 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mitsubishi Raider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mitsubishi Raider (230 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mitsubishi Raider should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mitsubishi Raider weights approximately 108 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 Mitsubishi Raider 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 Mitsubishi Raider 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 Mitsubishi Raider (393 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mitsubishi Raider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mitsubishi Raider | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Raider |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 83 L |
