2001 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Jaguar XK8 (390 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 504 kg more than 1980 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, 2001 Jaguar XK8 (542 Nm) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm). This means 2001 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2001 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Jaguar XK8 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XK8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2450 mm |
