1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2012 Toyota Yaris 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 102 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Yaris. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Yaris. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 159 kg more than 2012 Toyota Yaris. 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 Yaris, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Yaris. (139 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Yaris. 2012 Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1041 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 42 L |
