1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lotus Esprit (160 HP) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise.
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, 1979 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm). This means 1979 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
