1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 245 kg more than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Esprit | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
