1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2008 Subaru Legacy 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Legacy (245 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 488 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 2008 Subaru Legacy 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, 2008 Subaru Legacy 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, 2008 Subaru Legacy (292 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Subaru Legacy 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. 2008 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1608 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
