1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 306 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
