2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 554 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Roadster | 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 | 120 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 73 L |
