2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 62 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Santa Fe | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 67 L |
