1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP) has 8 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 330 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
