1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 177 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 429 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 172 HP |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 276 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
