1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am 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 Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (235 HP) has 27 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 475 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Trans Am (447 Nm) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am 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. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 235 HP |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
