Lotus Esprit Turbo
19 MPG The 1995 Lotus Esprit Turbo is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (15 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1995 run it averages 18.3 MPG, improving by 5 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 19 MPG | 15 | 25 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1994 | 19 MPG | 15 | 25 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1993 | 19 MPG | 15 | 25 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1992 | 19 MPG | 15 | 25 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1991 | 19 MPG | 15 | 25 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1990 | 19 MPG | 15 | 25 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1989 | 18.3 MPG | 15.3 | 23.3 | $4217 | 486 | 3 |
| 1988 | 18 MPG | 15 | 25 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 1985 | 14 MPG | 11 | 18 | $4450 | 635 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 105 two seaters models tracked here, the Lotus Esprit Turbo ranks 54 on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Nissan 350z Roadster (19.5), Aston Martin Vantage V8 (20), BMW Z3 Roadster (20), Mercedes-Benz SL550 (20), Nissan 350z (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 468 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lotus Esprit Turbo get?
The 1995 Lotus Esprit Turbo is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 15 city and 25 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 18.3 MPG, ranging from 14 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lotus Esprit Turbo cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1995 model is $4050.
Has the Lotus Esprit Turbo become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 14 MPG in 1985 to 19 in 1995 — an improvement of 5 MPG, or 36% across 9 model years.
Is the Lotus Esprit Turbo efficient for its class?
It ranks 54 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG. That is 2.4 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.