1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 367 kg more 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, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1900 mm |
