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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 311 kg more than 1987 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 (542 Nm) has 321 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 | 0 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2490 mm |
