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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 256 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 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 | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 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 | 950 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 67 L |
