1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2002 Suzuki Samurai 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 110 more horse power than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 4 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2002 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Esprit | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1700 mm |
