2003 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,950 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Land Rover Discovery (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 953 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1984 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Land Rover Discovery (340 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Land Rover Discovery has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Land Rover Discovery | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | Discovery | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3950 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
