1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2009 Toyota Avalon 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Avalon (268 HP) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 263 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, 2009 Toyota Avalon, 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, 2009 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Toyota Avalon 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 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 268 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
