1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2011 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 31 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 706 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, 2011 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2011 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2011 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Buick LaCrosse | |
Make | Lotus | Buick |
Model | Esprit | LaCrosse |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 233 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1826 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5001 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1857 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2837 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |