2007 Lexus IS vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Lexus IS 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 2,499 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2007 Lexus IS. (205 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lexus IS weights approximately 436 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lexus IS. 2007 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lexus IS | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | IS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 256 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 31 L |
