2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Esprit 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 161 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 430 kg more than 2009 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 (400 Nm) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
