1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 TVR S2
To start off, 1988 TVR S2 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 TVR S2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 TVR S2 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 TVR S2 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 78 kg more than 1988 TVR S2.
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, 1988 TVR S2 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 TVR S2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1988 TVR S2 | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Esprit | S2 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2290 mm |
