1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2013 Porsche Cayman is newer by 25 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 3,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Porsche Cayman (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 132 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, 2013 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| 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 | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4347 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2415 mm |
