2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,507 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (150 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 165 kg more than 2004 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (340 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS. 2012 Lexus IS 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. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lotus | Lexus |
| Model | Esprit | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
