2008 Honda Ridgeline vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Honda Ridgeline 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Ridgeline (247 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Ridgeline weights approximately 160 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.
Because 2008 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Ridgeline 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, 2008 Honda Ridgeline (333 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Ridgeline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Honda Ridgeline has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Ridgeline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Ridgeline | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Ridgeline | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 67 L |
