1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Lotus Evora
To start off, 2012 Lotus Evora is newer by 24 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Evora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Evora (276 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Evora should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Evora weights approximately 194 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, 2012 Lotus Evora (349 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Evora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Lotus Evora | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Evora |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1222 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 59 L |
