1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 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 38 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 317 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 31 L |
