1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Exige |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 40 L |
