2006 Lotus Exige vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 151 kg more than 2006 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Exige. (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Exige | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 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 | 172 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 7 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 | 916 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 31 L |
