1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Mazda MPV
To start off, 2003 Mazda MPV 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MPV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MPV. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MPV weights approximately 404 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, 2003 Mazda MPV, 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, 2003 Mazda MPV (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MPV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Mazda MPV | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Esprit | MPV |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
