2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 171 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 896 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 Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
