In terms of performance this comparison is totally unfair, but there prices are pretty close to each other. So, whats everyone's pick? Insane, no-nonsense performance (Viper) or decent performance with a bit more comfort and practicality (Lotus) ? After a week I'll average the results and see what the crowd's popular pick is.

I'll start by picking the Viper... more performance, better looks (IMO), and these aren't the kinds of cars you'd drive to Price Chopper for milk and cereal everyday anyway, so comfort really isn't much of an issue.

I would have to take the Viper :)

As a car I'd say the Viper is far superior. The Esprit is a bit too old and is hardly practical either, being very cramped inside. I think the Viper is superior to the Esprit in almost every way, but I'll still have to go with the Esprit. It has a timelessly gorgeous exterior shape and has great, if not Viper-beating, performance.

The viper is better in everything but still I take the esprit. Interesting......... :)

umm, i dunno where you get the idea that a esprit is practical or comfortable... i assure you, its not.. its the most uncomfortable car ive ever driven.. almost painful..

i really wanted one until i drove one.. now, i like the styling, but ill never even consider owning one ever again..

viper gts all the way..

Originally posted by kepone@af
umm, i dunno where you get the idea that a esprit is practical or comfortable... i assure you, its not.. its the most uncomfortable car ive ever driven.. almost painful..


I don't know, just figured that a British car shold be superior in terms of comfort. Just some harmless stereotyping. Anyway, the vote is 4 to 1, Viper.

I take the Esprit. Do some tuning to the turbos and get gobs more viper-eating power to go with it's better looks.

There's just something about a mid-engined car that I prefer to a viper.

Allright, 4-2, Viper.

I'd take the viper. I just like it better.

Well, the main reason the Esprit is uncomfortable is because it's been around for too long. When it came out it wasn't too bad, but most of the newer sports cars are much more comfortable.

I'd really like to drive an Esprit. I think they look awesome, the price is decent, and the performance is awesome. I don't know why I don't see more of 'em driving around.

9 times out of 10.. actually, 19 times out of 20, I'd want that Viper. But, every so often, I'd rather have the Lotus.

I was on a job in New Milford, CT about two months ago, and I turned around to see a Lotus Esprit at a red light. The total attention-getting persona of this car is incredible (there is something to be said for the "gawk factor" that Motor Trend uses on its exotic supercar comparos). I've seen Vipers up close too, and even blue with dual white racing stripes, it just doesn't get that kind of notice. If I wanted to cruise and pick up chicks.. I belive I'd have a lot more luck with the L.E... and hey, the performance is no slouch either (even though they still only make it available with a five-speed - the creeps!).

Lotus Esprit all the way. I've also seen both, and the following reactions blurted out my mouth:

Viper: WHOA!...look at that! (Dark Green RT/10, Black GTS)
Lotus: ..................... (mouth wide open, eyes bulging.)

I liked Vipers for the first couple years, but IMO the design grew old really quickly. Kinda like the first gen Miatas that lasted 9 years. The Lotus is basically 25 or so years old, but constant revisions and a timeless shape help ensure it's beauty.

I also hate Vipers because everyone else likes them. I'm just that way.

While Lotuses may or may not be comfortable, I've never sat in either and the Lotus interior looks 10 times better. Lower slung than the Viper, and that sloping dash looks great.

I'd take one for free, but if I had $150000 I wouldn't even consider the Viper.

is this even a comparison

the viper is probably better in every way

Of course it's a comparison. Just look how many people would choose the Lotus. Performance comparison wouldn't be such a close comparison, but this seems more of a general comparo.

THE TWO HAVE ALMOST IDENTICAL PERFORMANCE!!!!!
Viper: 0-60 in 4 seconds
Lotus: 4.1 seconds (with 100hp less!)
Both offer about the same grip, quarter, etc.
The viper is 20 mph faster, but you will never get the chance.
Just dial up the boost, and the Lotus will eat the viper.
Only 200 lotuses are imported a year, thats why they're rare. Uncomfortable, maybe, definetly not a traffic car, but I would still use it all the time.
Yup, for me, its the Lotus:p

very well put.