1949 Buick 40 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1949 Buick 40. (114 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1949 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Buick 40 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Buick 40 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | 40 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1120 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2450 mm |
