1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2011 Toyota Highlander is newer by 20 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 615 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.
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, 2011 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2011 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit. 2011 Toyota Highlander 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. 2011 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 73 L |
