2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 3,507 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 450 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Esprit | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2490 mm |
