1993 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Rover 216
To start off, 1993 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Rover 216. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Rover 216 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1989 Rover 216. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Rover 216. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 95 kg more than 1989 Rover 216. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Rover 216, 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, 1993 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Rover 216. (141 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Rover 216.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Rover 216 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 216 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2550 mm |
