1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 5 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 3,506 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 413 kg more than 2004 Smart ForFour.
Because 1999 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForFour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 442 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForFour. 2004 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Esprit | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 268 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
