1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Saab 900
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Saab 900 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1981 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 149 kg more than 1981 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Saab 900, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 900 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2530 mm |
