1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 21 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (330 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 175 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2012 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4346 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1306 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 64 L |
