1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Toyota Corolla 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 (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Corolla. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Corolla.
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 Corolla, 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Corolla. (130 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 13 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
