1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 7 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 21 kg more than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Esprit | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
