1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2006 Toyota 4Runner is newer by 18 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 4,671 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota 4Runner (260 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 834 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 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, 2006 Toyota 4Runner, 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, 2006 Toyota 4Runner (415 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4671 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 415 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2800 mm |
