2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (270 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 344 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2002 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2800 mm |
