1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Subaru Rex
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Subaru Rex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Subaru Rex would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1978 Subaru Rex. (29 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 640 kg more than 1978 Subaru Rex. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Subaru Rex. (42 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Subaru Rex.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Subaru Rex | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Rex |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 1930 mm |
