1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 1999 Saab 05-Sep 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1999 Saab 05-Sep. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Saab 05-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 366 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, 1999 Saab 05-Sep, 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Saab 05-Sep. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Saab 05-Sep.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| 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 | 1188 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 75 L |
