1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2007 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 26 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 2,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saab 03-Sep (250 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 325 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 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, 2007 Saab 03-Sep (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 62 L |
