2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 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 159 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Elise. (190 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 430 kg more than 2006 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 282 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| 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 | 4420 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.4 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
