1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 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. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 159 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (190 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Elise weights approximately 221 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 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 190 HP |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 187 Nm |
| 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 | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
