1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 178 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.3 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 44 L |
