2009 Land Rover LR2 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Land Rover LR2 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 3,192 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover LR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover LR2 (227 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover LR2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2009 Land Rover LR2 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 Land Rover LR2 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Land Rover LR2. (234 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Land Rover LR2. 2009 Land Rover LR2 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 Land Rover LR2 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover LR2 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | LR2 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3192 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
