1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 1998 Saab 05-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 61 more horse power than 1998 Saab 05-Sep. (149 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Saab 05-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 266 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 05-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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Saab 05-Sep. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Saab 05-Sep. 1998 Saab 05-Sep has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Saab 05-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Saab 05-Sep | |
Make | Lotus | Saab |
Model | Esprit | 05-Sep |
Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 149 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1485 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |