1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2001 Toyota Solara is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Solara weights approximately 205 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Solara, 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Solara. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Solara |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
