2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 410 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Esprit | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2490 mm |
