Lotus Esprit S4
The Lotus Esprit S4 (1993–2004): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 6 versions in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Model codes: S4 · Sold in: United States, European Union, and United Kingdom
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,370 mm RDW | 4,369–4,415 mm |
| Width | 1,870 mm RDW | 1,867–1,882 mm |
| Height | 1,150 mm ASTRA | 1,151 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,410–2,420 mm RDW | 2,421–2,438 mm |
| Front track | 1,530–1,554 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,545–1,575 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 1,204–1,355 kg RDW | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,304–1,455 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,566–1,607 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 2 RDW | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 260–282 km/h ASTRA | – |
| Torque | 294–400 Nm ASTRA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 235/40R17, 285/35R18
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 88.8% (86.5–90.8) | 69.2% | 849 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 13.9% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 13.4% | 41.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.6% | 17.1% |
| Tyres | 9.9% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 8.2% | 28.8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 3.7% | 18.6% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
2 complaints for model years 1995–1998. 1 fire
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 6 versions of the Lotus Esprit S4
United Kingdom 2 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2004Esprit V8 · Esprit V8 GT · Esprit Sport 350 | 3.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 13.8–15.7 L/100 km NEDC | 328–366 g/km |
| 2000–2001Esprit S4 GT3 | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 12.5 L/100 km NEDC | 294 g/km |
United States 4 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2004GUZZLER FFS,TURBO · GUZZLER | 3.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
| 2000–2001GUZZLER | 3.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 16–19 MPG (12.4–14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 291–345 g/km |
| 1999GUZZLER V8 FFS,TURBO | 3.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA | 368 g/km |
| 1997–1998(GUZZLER) (FFS,TRBO) (MPFI) · V8 | 3.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.