2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 21 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 235 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 953 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 31 L |
