1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 1998 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1998 Saab 03-Sep. (129 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Saab 03-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 95 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Saab 03-Sep, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Saab 03-Sep. (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Saab 03-Sep.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
