1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Saturn ION
To start off, 2004 Saturn ION is newer by 20 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (141 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saturn ION weights approximately 181 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, 2004 Saturn ION, 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) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Esprit | ION |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 141 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
