1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2012 Subaru Impreza 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Impreza (305 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 415 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.
Because 2012 Subaru Impreza 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, 2012 Subaru Impreza 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, 2012 Subaru Impreza (393 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2624 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
