1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Cadillac DTS
To start off, 2010 Cadillac DTS is newer by 30 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Cadillac DTS (275 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 599 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, 2010 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2010 Cadillac DTS (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2010 Cadillac DTS 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. 2010 Cadillac DTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Cadillac DTS | |
| Make | Lotus | Cadillac |
| Model | Esprit | DTS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5273 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2936 mm |
