1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Saturn Outlook
To start off, 2009 Saturn Outlook 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 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Outlook is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Outlook (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Outlook should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Outlook weights approximately 673 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 2009 Saturn Outlook 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, 2009 Saturn Outlook 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, 2009 Saturn Outlook (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Outlook will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Saturn Outlook 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. 2009 Saturn Outlook will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Saturn Outlook | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Esprit | Outlook |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 99.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 83 L |
