1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2002 Toyota Prius is newer by 11 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Prius. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Prius weights approximately 75 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Prius, 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Prius. 2002 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1991 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1991 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Prius |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 48 L |
