1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Porsche 911
To start off, 2003 Porsche 911 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 911 (340 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche 911 weights approximately 192 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2003 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 911 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
