2008 Lotus Exige vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 260 kg more than 2008 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 189 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 916 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
