1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2002 Renault Laguna 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 64 more horse power than 2002 Renault Laguna. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Renault Laguna weights approximately 254 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 Renault Laguna, 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Renault Laguna. (149 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Renault Laguna.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2480 mm |
