1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Proton 400
To start off, 2003 Proton 400 is newer by 13 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2003 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 205 kg more than 2003 Proton 400. 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, 2003 Proton 400, 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Lotus | Proton |
| Model | Esprit | 400 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
