1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 730 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 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 Toyota Highlander, 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 73 L |
