2005 Fiat Idea vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Fiat Idea is newer by 17 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 93 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Idea. (79 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 31 kg more than 2005 Fiat Idea. 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, 2005 Fiat Idea, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Idea. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Idea.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Idea | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Idea | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1366 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1145 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
