1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2005 Smart Roadster 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster.
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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Esprit | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2370 mm |
