1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 MG TF
To start off, 2003 MG TF is newer by 16 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 54 more horse power than 2003 MG TF. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 MG TF. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 MG TF weights approximately 96 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
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 @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 MG TF. (166 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 MG TF.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2003 MG TF | |
| Make | Lotus | MG |
| Model | Esprit | TF |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| 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 | 172 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
