1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1992 Renault 21
To start off, 1992 Renault 21 is newer by 5 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 81 more horse power than 1992 Renault 21. (91 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1992 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 29 kg more than 1992 Renault 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1992 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Renault 21. (138 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1992 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 21 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1075 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 |
