2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 232 kg more than 1989 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 282 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| 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 | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2440 mm |
