1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2010 Toyota Highlander is newer by 22 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2010 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2010 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2010 Toyota Highlander 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. 2010 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 73 L |
