1997 AC Cobra vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 AC Cobra is newer by 9 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 162 kg more than 1997 AC Cobra.
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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 31 L |
