1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 20 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 314 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville (312 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
