1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS is newer by 21 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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2010 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2010 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus IS weights approximately 413 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lotus | Lexus |
| Model | Esprit | IS |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |
