1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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 Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 564 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 Highlander, 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 Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Toyota Highlander 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 Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| 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 | 158 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 73 L |
