1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 266 kg more than 1982 Lotus Esprit. 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 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1982 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
Make | Lotus | Saab |
Model | Esprit | 9000 |
Year Released | 1982 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1985 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 278 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1333 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |