1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 6,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 594 kg more than 1980 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, 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix (461 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 6545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 38 L |
