1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Saturn Relay
To start off, 2005 Saturn Relay is newer by 21 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Saturn Relay is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn Relay (201 HP) has 43 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn Relay should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn Relay weights approximately 871 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.
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, 2005 Saturn Relay, 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, 2005 Saturn Relay (298 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2005 Saturn Relay will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Saturn Relay | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Esprit | Relay |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 201 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1938 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 95 L |
