1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2011 Smart ForTwo 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 380 kg more than 2011 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Esprit | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 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 | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 33 L |
