1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 168 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2440 mm |
