1988 Lexus LS vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lexus LS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lexus LS weights approximately 748 kg more than 1981 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, 1988 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1988 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Lexus LS | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Lexus | Lotus |
Model | LS | Esprit |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3969 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 242 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1067 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2490 mm |