it has been a long long time since i drove one... but my fading memory tells me this.
the early cars had a certain, i dunno - 'special' quality to them, i don't know how to put it in words, they 'feel' smaller, more personal, more exotic. i think the opposit would be as the car matured they got more "refined" and some of that direct rawness was lost.
they are quick! but not "fast". imo they are plenty quick to be a fun sports car. particularyl if you improve the carburation on the us cars - not hard to get a bit more out of it. pretty gutless at speed, but fine. i don't like the turbo cars as much - more thrill, less intamacy. imo...
i also prefer the styling of the early cars - don't get me wrong, i am a fan of the stevens cars, but the original is just epic!! and the plaid interiors are very cool
interstgly the esprit was supposed to be a V8 all along, but got caught up in the fuel crissis and lotus dropped the V8 developemnt and went with their "tried and true" (hahaha) powerplant.
if i could have ANY esprit - it would be a very nicely sorted and clean early one. maybe the memroies are not as good as reality, but i just love 'em!