1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Mazda BT-50
To start off, 2011 Mazda BT-50 is newer by 30 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 2,953 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda BT-50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2011 Mazda BT-50. (154 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda BT-50.
Because 2011 Mazda BT-50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda BT-50 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, 2011 Mazda BT-50 (380 Nm @ 180 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda BT-50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Mazda BT-50 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | BT-50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 180 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3010 mm |
