1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Smart ForTwo.
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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Esprit | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
