1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2011 Toyota Prius is newer by 23 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 (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2011 Toyota Prius. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Prius weights approximately 192 kg more 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, 2011 Toyota Prius, 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Prius |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
