1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Rover 200
To start off, 1999 Rover 200 is newer by 11 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 70 more horse power than 1999 Rover 200. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Rover 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 146 kg more than 1999 Rover 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Rover 200, 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Rover 200. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Rover 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Rover 200 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 200 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
