United Kingdom vs United Kingdom — 1996 vs 2015
| Esprit V8 Twin-Turbo V8 | Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 350 hp | 189 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 133 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,506 cc | 1,798 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.4 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 175 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 12.8 sec | 12.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,045 lbs | 1,980 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,438 mm | 2,301 mm |
| Length | 4,379 mm | 3,785 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,175 | 850 |
| Original MSRP | $83,500 | $48,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $95,000 | $58,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1996 Lotus Esprit V8 Twin-Turbo V8 brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Lotus has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1996 Lotus Esprit V8 Twin-Turbo V8 with the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1996 Lotus Esprit V8 Twin-Turbo V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 350 hp compared to 189 hp, a 161-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Esprit V8 Twin-Turbo uses a 3.5L Twin-Turbo V8 displacing 3,506 cc, while the Lotus Elise Sport 190 relies on a 1.8L Supercharged I4 with 1,798 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 edges ahead at 4.2 seconds versus 4.4 seconds. The Lotus Elise Sport 190 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1065 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.