1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Peugeot 407
To start off, 2003 Peugeot 407 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 79 more horse power than 2003 Peugeot 407. (136 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Peugeot 407. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Peugeot 407 weights approximately 317 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 Peugeot 407, 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 Peugeot 407 (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Peugeot 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Peugeot 407 | |
| Make | Lotus | Peugeot |
| Model | Esprit | 407 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 66 L |
