1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Saab 9000
To start off, 1986 Saab 9000 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1986 Saab 9000. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Saab 9000 weights approximately 238 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Saab 9000. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 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 | 1067 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 54 L |
