1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Land Rover LR4
To start off, 2012 Land Rover LR4 is newer by 24 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Land Rover LR4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Land Rover LR4 (375 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover LR4 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover LR4 weights approximately 1360 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 2012 Land Rover LR4 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, 2012 Land Rover LR4 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, 2012 Land Rover LR4 (508 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover LR4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Land Rover LR4 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. 2012 Land Rover LR4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Land Rover LR4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Land Rover |
| Model | Esprit | LR4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 508 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 2548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4829 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1882 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2885 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 86 L |
