1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1997 TVR Chimaera is newer by 9 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 163 kg more than 1997 TVR Chimaera.
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, 1997 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1997 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Esprit | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 57 L |
