Lotus Elan vs Lotus Esprit: MOT reliability compared
Updated 05 September 2026.
19.4%
Lotus Esprit MOT failure rate, 2.3 pts lower than Lotus Elan
Lotus Esprit is the more reliable MOT performer: 19.4% of Lotus Esprit MOTs fail versus 21.7% for Lotus Elan, a 2.3 point gap.
| Metric | Lotus Elan | Lotus Esprit |
|---|---|---|
| MOT failure rate | 21.7% | 19.4% |
| Tests analysed | 59,197 | 26,495 |
| Most common failure | Brakes (52.1%) | Lamps & electrical (41.5%) |
Questions and answers
Which is more reliable, Lotus Elan or Lotus Esprit?
Lotus Esprit is the more reliable MOT performer: 19.4% of Lotus Esprit MOTs fail versus 21.7% for Lotus Elan, a 2.3 point gap.
What is the MOT failure rate of the Lotus Elan?
21.7% of Lotus Elan MOT tests result in a failure, from 59,197 tests.
What is the MOT failure rate of the Lotus Esprit?
19.4% of Lotus Esprit MOT tests result in a failure, from 26,495 tests.