2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 210 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Punto, 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Punto | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
