1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1991 Renault Espace
To start off, 1991 Renault Espace is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1991 Renault Espace. (103 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1991 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Renault Espace weights approximately 144 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Renault Espace, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Renault Espace. (159 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Renault Espace.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1991 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Espace |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
