1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2009 Porsche Cayman is newer by 22 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 2,687 cc, 2009 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Cayman (242 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 463 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, 2009 Porsche Cayman (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2687 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| 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 | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
