1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 239 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Exige |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2299 mm |
