1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Toyota Corolla is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1994 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 1994 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 1997 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
