2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 192 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 875 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
