1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Saturn Relay
To start off, 2006 Saturn Relay 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Saturn Relay is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 Saturn Relay. (201 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn Relay. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn Relay weights approximately 244 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, 2006 Saturn Relay, 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, 2006 Saturn Relay (293 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn Relay will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Saturn Relay 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 Saturn Relay will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Saturn Relay | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Esprit | Relay |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1444 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 95 L |
