1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2007 Toyota Highlander is newer by 26 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 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Highlander (268 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 288 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 2007 Toyota Highlander 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |
