1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1994 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1994 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
