1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 108 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2440 mm |
