1979 GMC Jimmy vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 GMC Jimmy. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Jimmy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 654 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1979 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 GMC Jimmy (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 1979 GMC Jimmy 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. 1979 GMC Jimmy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Jimmy | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | GMC | Lotus |
| Model | Jimmy | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2440 mm |
