1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1990 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster 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, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 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 | 1990 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
