2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 160 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 279 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 349 HP |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
