1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Saturn LW
To start off, 2005 Saturn LW is newer by 18 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn LW is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 Saturn LW. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn LW. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn LW weights approximately 294 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, 2005 Saturn LW, 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn LW. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn LW.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Saturn LW | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Esprit | LW |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 59 L |
