1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2004 Saab 03-Sep 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Saab 03-Sep. (207 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Saab 03-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 397 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 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2004 Saab 03-Sep (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
