1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 390 kg more than 1980 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
