1974 Buick Centurion vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Centurion (226 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Centurion weights approximately 894 kg more than 1988 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, 1974 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 1974 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Centurion | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Centurion | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2440 mm |
