1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2009 Tesla Roadster 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. In terms of performance, 2009 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Tesla Roadster weights approximately 59 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.
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, 2009 Tesla Roadster (370 Nm) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2009 Tesla Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | Lotus | Tesla |
| Model | Esprit | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Electric |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3947 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2352 mm |
