1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 22 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 361 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.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Acura CL 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. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Acura |
| Model | Esprit | CL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
