1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Renault 19
To start off, 1988 Renault 19 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1988 Renault 19. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 19. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 62 kg more than 1988 Renault 19. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19, 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 19. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 19.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 19 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
