1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Sunfire 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 6 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. 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, 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Pontiac Sunfire | |
Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
Model | Esprit | Sunfire |
Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2201 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 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 | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |