2001 Lexus IS vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Lexus IS 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus IS weights approximately 280 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Lexus IS | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Lexus | Lotus |
Model | IS | Esprit |
Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 195 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |