1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Noble M12
To start off, 2002 Noble M12 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 125 kg more than 2002 Noble M12.
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, 2002 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Noble |
| Model | Esprit | M12 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
