1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 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 (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 408 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige. 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Exige |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 36 L |
