1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1998 Toyota MR2 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
