1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (160 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 130 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 79 L |
