2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Panda. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1120 mm |
