1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1998 Plymouth Neon is newer by 9 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 219 kg more than 1998 Plymouth Neon. 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, 1998 Plymouth Neon, 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 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Plymouth Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Esprit | Neon |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 79 L |
