2007 Jaguar XJ vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Jaguar XJ is newer by 27 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Jaguar XJ (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 564 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Jaguar XJ (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2007 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Jaguar XJ | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XJ | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2110 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 67 L |
