1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 14 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 24 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Vibe weights approximately 171 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, 2002 Pontiac Vibe, 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) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. (175 Nm). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1610 mm |
