2002 Jaguar XJ vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XJ is newer by 22 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 3,248 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XJ (240 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 491 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, 2002 Jaguar XJ (316 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Jaguar XJ 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. 2002 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar XJ | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XJ | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3248 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2440 mm |
