2002 Lexus SC vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lexus SC 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 4,291 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus SC (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus SC weights approximately 620 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 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Lexus SC 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 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lexus SC | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | SC | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 278 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 67 L |
