1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Porsche 911 is newer by 17 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 3,594 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (320 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 911 weights approximately 262 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.
Because 2005 Porsche 911 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, 2005 Porsche 911 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, 2005 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 911 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
