1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2011 Opel Zafira 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Zafira (238 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Zafira should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2011 Opel Zafira, 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, 2011 Opel Zafira (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Zafira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Esprit | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 58 L |
