1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 2012 Seat Ibiza is newer by 22 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 43 more horse power than 2012 Seat Ibiza. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Seat Ibiza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Ibiza weights approximately 7 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2012 Seat Ibiza, 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, 2012 Seat Ibiza (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Ibiza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
