1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 26 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 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 731 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, 2006 Saturn ION, 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Saturn ION | |
Make | Lotus | Saturn |
Model | Esprit | ION |
Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2199 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |