1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1988 Toyota Carina is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (72 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Carina weights approximately 33 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Carina |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2540 mm |
