2005 Honda S2000 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Honda S2000 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 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda S2000 (240 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda S2000 weights approximately 138 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda S2000. (220 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda S2000 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | S2000 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2204 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
