1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Acura EL
To start off, 1997 Acura EL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1997 Acura EL. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 121 kg more than 1997 Acura EL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Acura EL, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura EL. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Acura EL | |
| Make | Lotus | Acura |
| Model | Esprit | EL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2619 mm |
