1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Seat Altea
To start off, 2008 Seat Altea is newer by 27 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Altea (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Altea weights approximately 332 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, 2008 Seat Altea, 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, 2008 Seat Altea (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Seat Altea | |
Make | Lotus | Seat |
Model | Esprit | Altea |
Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1968 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1452 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1570 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |