1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Lotus M250
To start off, 1999 Lotus M250 is newer by 10 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Lotus M250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus M250 (247 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus M250 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 198 kg more than 1999 Lotus M250.
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, 1999 Lotus M250 (321 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus M250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Lotus M250 | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | M250 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1180 mm |
