1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 307 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 44 L |
