1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 403 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Esprit | Elise |
Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 264 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 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 | 1329 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 44 L |