1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2002 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 335 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Saab 03-Sep (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Esprit | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| 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 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
