2006 Land Rover Defender vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Land Rover Defender is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,498 cc, 2006 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 185 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2006 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Land Rover Defender | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | Defender | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2174 cc |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 210 HP |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2440 mm |
