1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Jeep Wrangler
To start off, 2009 Jeep Wrangler is newer by 21 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 2,777 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Wrangler (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Wrangler should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 704 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 2009 Jeep Wrangler 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, 2009 Jeep Wrangler 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, 2009 Jeep Wrangler (411 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Wrangler will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Jeep Wrangler has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Jeep Wrangler will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Jeep Wrangler | |
| Make | Lotus | Jeep |
| Model | Esprit | Wrangler |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2777 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 411 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
