1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 05-Sep is newer by 23 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 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Saab 05-Sep. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Saab 05-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 365 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, 2003 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, 2003 Saab 05-Sep (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2003 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. 2003 Saab 05-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| 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 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 75 L |
