1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 MG TF
To start off, 2003 MG TF is newer by 14 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 106 more horse power than 2003 MG TF. (158 HP @ 6900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 MG TF. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 139 kg more than 2003 MG TF. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 MG TF. (174 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 MG TF.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2003 MG TF | |
| Make | Lotus | MG |
| Model | Esprit | TF |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 220 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 Weight | 1329 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
