1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Vitara 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1999 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 185 kg more than 1999 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Suzuki Vitara. (128 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Esprit | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2370 mm |
