1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 121 kg more than 1986 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 31 L |
