1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 MCC Smart
To start off, 2001 MCC Smart is newer by 13 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 113 more horse power than 2001 MCC Smart. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 456 kg more than 2001 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 MCC Smart. (89 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 MCC Smart. 2001 MCC Smart 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. 2001 MCC Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2001 MCC Smart | |
| Make | Lotus | MCC |
| Model | Esprit | Smart |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 2600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1820 mm |
