1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Toyota iQ
To start off, 2008 Toyota iQ is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2008 Toyota iQ. (89 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota iQ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 315 kg more than 2008 Toyota iQ. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota iQ, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota iQ. (190 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota iQ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Toyota iQ | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | iQ |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 2985 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2000 mm |
