1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 1996 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 46 more horse power than 1996 Toyota RAV4. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1996 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota RAV4. (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
