1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
To start off, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is newer by 23 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur (552 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 336 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur weights approximately 1377 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur (650 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur | |
| Make | Lotus | Bentley |
| Model | Esprit | Continental Flying Spur |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 552 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 2525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5291 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2746 mm |
