1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Seat Exeo
To start off, 2012 Seat Exeo is newer by 31 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 67 more horse power than 2012 Seat Exeo. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Seat Exeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Exeo weights approximately 200 kg more 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, 2012 Seat Exeo, 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, 2012 Seat Exeo (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Exeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Seat Exeo | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Exeo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1772 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2642 mm |
