1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1998 Toyota Corolla is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Corolla. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 58 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Corolla. (121 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
