1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 471 kg more than 1997 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 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 | 705 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
