2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (119 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 465 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1613 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
