1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2009 Saab 03-Sep 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Saab 03-Sep. (210 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Saab 03-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 386 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, 2009 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2009 Saab 03-Sep (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| 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 | 1188 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
