2008 Lexus IS vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 299 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | IS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
