1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Exige |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 44 L |
