1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2005 Renault Vel Satis 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 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2005 Renault Vel Satis. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 657 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
