1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2011 Porsche Panamera 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche Panamera (400 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Panamera should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche Panamera weights approximately 733 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 Panamera (500 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Panamera 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 Panamera | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | Panamera |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2918 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
