1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2011 Subaru Legacy 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Legacy (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2011 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (349 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4735 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1506 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
