1974 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 99 more horse power than 1974 Buick Riviera. (250 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1365 kg more than 1999 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Esprit. (351 Nm). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Esprit. 1974 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 349 HP |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2310 mm |
