1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 287 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Exige |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 36 L |
