2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 20 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 3,960 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee (195 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 649 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, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee (312 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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. 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jeep | Lotus |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3960 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1716 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 31 L |
