2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige 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 172 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 600 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige. 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 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Exige |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 7.0:1 |
| 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 36 L |
