1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 361 kg more than 2009 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
