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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1999 Saab 05-Sep. (148 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 342 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Saab 05-Sep. (240 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. 1999 Saab 05-Sep has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Saab 05-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 75 L |
