1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Hyundai i20
To start off, 2009 Hyundai i20 is newer by 28 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai i20. (77 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai i20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 45 kg more than 2009 Hyundai i20. 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, 2009 Hyundai i20, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai i20. (119 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai i20.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Hyundai i20 | |
| Make | Lotus | Hyundai |
| Model | Esprit | i20 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2525 mm |
