2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige 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 Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Exige | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Exige | Esprit |
Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 257 HP | 210 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 236 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |