1996 Lexus ES vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1996 Lexus ES is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lexus ES (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lexus ES weights approximately 920 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lexus ES, 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, 1996 Lexus ES (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lexus ES | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | ES | Europa |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2340 mm |
