1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 591 kg more than 1998 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3750 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 | 714 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
