1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 25 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (404 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 911 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 404 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 67 L |
