1993 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1993 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1993 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 392 kg more than 1993 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 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lotus | Lexus |
| Model | Esprit | IS |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 65 L |
