1956 Cadillac 6239D vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Cadillac 6239D. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Cadillac 6239D would be higher. At 5,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Cadillac 6239D is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Cadillac 6239D (285 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Cadillac 6239D should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Cadillac 6239D weights approximately 890 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. Let's talk about torque, 1956 Cadillac 6239D (543 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1956 Cadillac 6239D will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1956 Cadillac 6239D has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Cadillac 6239D will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Cadillac 6239D | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | 6239D | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5972 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2010 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3280 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 67 L |
