1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2003 Toyota Soarer is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,292 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Soarer. (276 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 391 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1995 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Soarer, 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, 2003 Toyota Soarer (430 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Esprit. (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 1995 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1995 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2630 mm |
