1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2011 Porsche Cayman 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 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche Cayman (265 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 130 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Porsche Cayman (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Porsche Cayman | |
Make | Lotus | Porsche |
Model | Esprit | Cayman |
Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2900 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 265 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7200 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 299 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1330 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4376 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1801 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1303 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2416 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 64 L |