2009 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 162 kg more than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Daihatsu Copen, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. (101 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Daihatsu Copen.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Daihatsu Copen | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Copen | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 659 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 56.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.7 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
