1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Saturn L
To start off, 2000 Saturn L is newer by 12 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2000 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Saturn L weights approximately 150 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, 2000 Saturn L, 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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Saturn L. (193 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Saturn L | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Esprit | L |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
