1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2005 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 25 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 Saab 03-Sep. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Saab 03-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 456 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, 2005 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saab 03-Sep. (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saab 03-Sep. 2005 Saab 03-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. 2005 Saab 03-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1662 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
