1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 1999 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 14 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Saab 03-Sep (231 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 407 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 1999 Saab 03-Sep (357 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Saab 03-Sep | |
Make | Lotus | Saab |
Model | Esprit | 03-Sep |
Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2290 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 231 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 217 Nm | 357 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1475 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2610 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 68 L |