2002 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Land Rover Discovery 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 3,950 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2002 Land Rover Discovery. (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Land Rover Discovery. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 814 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2002 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Land Rover Discovery will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Discovery (340 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Land Rover Discovery 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 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Land Rover Discovery | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | Discovery | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3950 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
