1958 Lotus Elite vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 760 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2430 mm |
