2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 335 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Elise | Esprit |
Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
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 | 186 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
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 | 785 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 67 L |