2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Subaru Coupe
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru Coupe would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 390 kg more than 1981 Subaru Coupe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru Coupe, 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru Coupe. 1981 Subaru Coupe has automatic transmission and 2004 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2004 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Subaru Coupe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Subaru Coupe | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Coupe |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
