1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 25 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 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 319 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
