1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 520 kg more than 2005 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. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Esprit. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 282 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 73 L |
