1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero is newer by 18 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 2,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Oldsmobile Alero weights approximately 164 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero, 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Oldsmobile Alero.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Esprit | Alero |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
