2008 Lexus GS vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Lexus GS is newer by 28 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 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus GS (242 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus GS weights approximately 534 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, 2008 Lexus GS (294 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Lexus GS 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. 2008 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus GS | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | GS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2992 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1740 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 67 L |
