1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Porsche 911 is newer by 23 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Porsche 911 weights approximately 277 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2008 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 911 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
