1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1998 Toyota MR2 is newer by 12 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, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 168 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
