Lotus Esprit MPG
Its best-rated version reaches 19 MPG combined in 1987, 1989–1995 and 2001, the Esprit V8. Its weakest year peaked at 14 MPG (1984–1985).
a year at 15,000 miles for the best 2004 version, the Esprit V8. Put it next to its 1984 predecessor, at your own mileage.
Compare in gallonsThe Lotus Esprit has EPA ratings for 19 model years, 1984–2004, every one of them among two-seater cars. Its best version ranked fifth (tied) of 17 two-seater cars in 1995, behind the class leader, the Honda Del Sol, and it placed in its class top five in two model years.
In 1984 the most efficient version of the Esprit still placed second from the bottom of 13 two-seater cars, where the Lamborghini Countach rated lowest. Averaged over 1994–1998, the best version of the Esprit placed third from the bottom of 11 among two-seater cars rated at least three years in that span, and it was in the bottom five in two other five-year spans.
Among 25 two-seater cars, 2004
The Esprit placed 16th (tied). The class leader was the Honda Insight at 52 MPG. The next higher rating, 17 MPG, belongs to the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
The Esprit, five years at a time
Average rating of its best version per span, placed among two-seater cars.
Where the engine list turned over
- 1997
New: 3.5-liter 8-cylinder. Best rating 19 → 16 MPG.
All 19 model years, best and lowest version
| Model years | Best version | Combined | City / hwy | Lowest version | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2004 | Esprit V8 | 16 | 14 / 21 | 16 | 1 |
| 2001 | Esprit V8 | 19 | 15 / 27 | 19 | 1 |
| 2000 | Esprit V8 | 16 | 14 / 21 | 16 | 1 |
| 1999 | Esprit V8 | 15 | 13 / 20 | 15 | 1 |
| 1998 | 98 Esprit V8 | 16 | 14 / 21 | 16 | 1 |
| 1997 | Esprit V8 | 16 | 14 / 21 | 16 | 1 |
| 1990–1995 | Esprit Turbo | 19 | 15 / 25 | 19 | 1 |
| 1989 | Esprit Turbo | 19 | 16 / 26 | 17 | 3 |
| 1988 | Esprit Turbo | 18 | 15 / 25 | 18 | 1 |
| 1987 | Esprit Turbo HC PI | 19 | 16 / 24 | 19 | 1 |
| 1985 | Esprit Turbo | 14 | 11 / 18 | 14 | 1 |
| 1984 | Esprit | 14 | 11 / 18 | 14 | 2 |
Version names in the EPA list: 98 Esprit V8, Esprit, Esprit Turbo, Esprit Turbo HC PI, Esprit V8.
Same class, 2004
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