2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 549 kg more than 2002 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2310 mm |
