2003 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,553 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Land Rover Discovery (217 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 887 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2003 Land Rover Discovery (407 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Land Rover Discovery has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Land Rover Discovery | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | Discovery | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4553 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
