1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 611 kg more than 1987 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, 2011 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lotus | Lexus |
| Model | Esprit | IS |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.3 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
