2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (119 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 214 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (153 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. 2009 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Elantra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1591 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 67 L |
