1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Rover 600
To start off, 1996 Rover 600 is newer by 8 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 52 more horse power than 1996 Rover 600. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 600 weights approximately 79 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, 1996 Rover 600, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 600. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Rover 600 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 600 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1850 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
