1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Renault 21
To start off, 1988 Renault 21 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Renault 21. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 21 weights approximately 1 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 21, 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 21 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2820 mm |
