1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace
To start off, 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace. (89 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 648 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Hi-Ace |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1960 mm |
