2008 Aston Martin DB9 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,934 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Aston Martin DB9 (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 770 kg more than 1981 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, 2008 Aston Martin DB9 (570 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Aston Martin DB9 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Lotus |
| Model | DB9 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5934 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 67 L |
