2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit 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 143 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (207 HP @ 6950 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 125 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper, 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Esprit | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6950 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
