1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
To start off, 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is newer by 32 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 2,360 cc (16 cylinders), 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 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 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 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, 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander (226 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Outlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 16 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4665 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
