1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 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 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 268 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 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 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 61 L |
