2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra 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 74 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 130 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. 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 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Elantra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 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 | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
