2000 Lotus Exige vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 281 kg more than 2000 Lotus Exige.
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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Exige | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 31 L |
