2005 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1979 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lotus Esprit (160 HP) has 49 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. (111 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe (245 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1979 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Santa Fe | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2440 mm |
