1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1990 Saab 9000
To start off, 1990 Saab 9000 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1990 Saab 9000. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1990 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Saab 9000 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Saab 9000, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Saab 9000. (216 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 1990 Saab 9000 | |
Make | Lotus | Saab |
Model | Esprit | 9000 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2290 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 216 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.1:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 38 L |