1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1972 Subaru Leone
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Subaru Leone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Subaru Leone would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1972 Subaru Leone. (52 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Subaru Leone. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 401 kg more than 1972 Subaru Leone. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Subaru Leone, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Subaru Leone. (85 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Subaru Leone.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1972 Subaru Leone | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Leone |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
