1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Seat Leon
To start off, 2007 Seat Leon is newer by 19 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, 2007 Seat Leon (238 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Seat Leon weights approximately 214 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 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, 2007 Seat Leon, 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, 2007 Seat Leon (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Seat Leon | |
Make | Lotus | Seat |
Model | Esprit | Leon |
Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 238 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |