1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Toyota 4Runner

To start off, 2005 Toyota 4Runner is newer by 17 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 3,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota 4Runner (243 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 712 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2005 Toyota 4Runner 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, 2005 Toyota 4Runner 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, 2005 Toyota 4Runner (382 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Toyota 4Runner has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Lotus Esprit 2005 Toyota 4Runner
Make Lotus Toyota
Model Esprit 4Runner
Year Released 1988 2005
Body Type Coupe SUV
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 2174 cc 3995 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 215 HP 243 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 298 Nm 382 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 95.3 mm 94 mm
Engine Stroke Size 76.2 mm 95 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1188 kg 1900 kg
Vehicle Length 4350 mm 4810 mm
Vehicle Width 1870 mm 1880 mm
Vehicle Height 1160 mm 1830 mm
Wheelbase Size 2440 mm 2800 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 31 L 60 L