2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Exige. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 313 kg more than 2005 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| 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 | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
