1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Lexus LS
To start off, 2010 Lexus LS 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lexus LS (438 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus LS weights approximately 1240 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 2010 Lexus LS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Lexus LS 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, 2010 Lexus LS (521 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Lotus | Lexus |
| Model | Esprit | LS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 438 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 521 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3091 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 84 L |
