2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan 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 187 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 360 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2260 mm |
