1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 194 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 572 kg more than 2002 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 156 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 286 km/hour | 212 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 | 1378 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 38 L |
