1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Land Rover Freelander
To start off, 2010 Land Rover Freelander is newer by 29 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 2,179 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Land Rover Freelander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 158 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar.
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, 2010 Land Rover Freelander, 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, 2010 Land Rover Freelander (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Land Rover Freelander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Land Rover Freelander | |
| Make | Lotus | Land Rover |
| Model | Esprit | Freelander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
