1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 390 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
