Against 286 other V8 cars rated 2002–2004, the Esprit sits right on their 15.5 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1984–1995), does 18 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.5L 8-cyl (1997–2004), 16.3: $223 a year apart.
Every Lotus Esprit engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 14.4 / 23.6 | 1984–1995 | $2,133 | |
| 3.5L 8-cyl | 14 / 21.6 | 1997–2004 | $2,356 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2004) | $0.200 |
| Fuel per year | $2,400 |
| Fuel over five years | $12,000 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2002–2004 | −$77 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,379 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2004 Lotus Esprit gives up 7 mpg in town: 21 on the highway against 14 in the city, $914 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2004) | 14 mpg | $2,743 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Esprit changed over the years
The Esprit peaked in 2001 at 19 mpg (15 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1985 at 14 — 5 mpg apart, or $722 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2004 car does 16. The biggest single-year change came in 2002: 19 to 16 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 14 / 21 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2003 | 14 / 21 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2002 | 14 / 21 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2001 | 15 / 27 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2000 | 14 / 21 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1999 | 13 / 20 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1998 | 14 / 21 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1997 | 14 / 21 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1994 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1993 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1990 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1988 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1985 | 11 / 18 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1984 | 11 / 18 | 1 | $2,743 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 19 EPA ratings of the Lotus Esprit — 2 engines across 1984–2004. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,379. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2004 Lotus Esprit get?
16 mpg combined, 14 city and 21 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Esprit has averaged 17.3 mpg.
Is the 2004 Esprit more efficient than the 2003?
About the same: 16 against 16 mpg combined.
Which Esprit year has the best gas mileage?
The 2001, at 19 mpg combined (15 city, 27 highway).
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