1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 89 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
