1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Saturn L
To start off, 2005 Saturn L is newer by 16 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 2,194 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn L weights approximately 145 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, 2005 Saturn L, 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Saturn L | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Esprit | L |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
