2009 Honda CR-V vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Honda CR-V is newer by 28 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda CR-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda CR-V (164 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda CR-V should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda CR-V, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda CR-V. (161 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda CR-V. 2009 Honda CR-V 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. 2009 Honda CR-V will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda CR-V | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | CR-V | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 67 L |
