1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 4,806 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Panamera (429 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Panamera should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Panamera weights approximately 732 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 Porsche Panamera (520 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Porsche Panamera 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. 2012 Porsche Panamera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | Panamera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4806 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1931 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 100 L |
