1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Porsche 911
To start off, 1988 Porsche 911 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,598 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 911 (246 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 911 weights approximately 383 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 911 (310 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 911 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 246 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 77 L |
