1996 Jaguar XK vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK is newer by 15 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK (370 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK weights approximately 520 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Jaguar XK (535 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1996 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XK | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 535 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 67 L |
