1992 Daihatsu Opti vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1992 Daihatsu Opti is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1992 Daihatsu Opti. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1992 Daihatsu Opti. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 540 kg more than 1992 Daihatsu Opti. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Daihatsu Opti, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Daihatsu Opti. (107 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Daihatsu Opti.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Daihatsu Opti | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Opti | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 659 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 71 L |
