1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Rover 75
To start off, 2004 Rover 75 is newer by 15 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Rover 75 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2004 Rover 75. (175 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Rover 75. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Rover 75 weights approximately 387 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2004 Rover 75, 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Rover 75. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Rover 75.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Rover 75 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 75 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
