1971 Buick GS vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1971 Buick GS. (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick GS weights approximately 444 kg more than 1988 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, 1971 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick GS | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | GS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
