1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 32 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2012 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. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
Make | Lotus | Buick |
Model | Esprit | LaCrosse |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 303 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 358 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
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 | 68 L |