1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Saab 900
To start off, 1997 Saab 900 is newer by 12 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Saab 900. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Saab 900 weights approximately 247 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Saab 900, 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Saab 900. (178 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 900 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| 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 | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 68 L |
