2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (264 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 825 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Chevrolet SSR has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | SSR | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
