Lotus Esprit V8
16 MPG The 2004 Lotus Esprit V8 is EPA-rated at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 21 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 938 gallons, $3000 a year in fuel, or $0.200 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1997–2004 run it averages 16.3 MPG, essentially flat across 7 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 | $0.156 | $1563 | $2344 | $3125 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.219 | $2188 | $3281 | $4375 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.281 | $2813 | $4219 | $5625 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.313 | $3125 | $4688 | $6250 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 16 MPG | 14 | 21 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 2003 | 16 MPG | 14 | 21 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 2002 | 16 MPG | 14 | 21 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 2001 | 19 MPG | 15 | 27 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 2000 | 16 MPG | 14 | 21 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 1999 | 15 MPG | 13 | 20 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1997 | 16 MPG | 14 | 21 | $4800 | 555 | 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 V8 ranks 70 on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mercedes-Benz SL500 (17), Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (17), Acura NSX (18), Cadillac XLR (18), Chevrolet Corvette (18).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 555 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lotus Esprit V8 get?
The 2004 Lotus Esprit V8 is rated at 16 MPG combined by the EPA — 14 city and 21 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 16.3 MPG, ranging from 15 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lotus Esprit V8 cost in fuel per year?
At 16 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 938 gallons — roughly $3000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.200 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2004 model is $4800.
Has the Lotus Esprit V8 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 16 MPG today against 16 in 1997 — essentially flat across 7 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Lotus Esprit V8 efficient for its class?
It ranks 70 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG. That is 5.4 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.