1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 359 kg more than 1999 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1984 |
| 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 | 118 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 708 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
