1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 29 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 37 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 158 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, 2012 Mini Cooper, 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper. (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Esprit | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
