2003 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 317 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 31 L |
