2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 16 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (71 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 241 kg more than 2004 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda, 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, 2004 Fiat Panda (260 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2004 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1247 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
