1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (264 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (353 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 285 HP |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2420 mm |
