2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 778 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Santa Fe | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1898 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 67 L |
