1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Porsche 968
To start off, 1994 Porsche 968 is newer by 7 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 2,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Porsche 968 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Porsche 968 (240 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Porsche 968 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Porsche 968 weights approximately 333 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1994 Porsche 968 (305 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1994 Porsche 968 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Porsche 968 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 968 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 74 L |
