1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 21 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Toyota MR2. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 1 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 48 L |
