1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Acura TL
To start off, 2011 Acura TL is newer by 30 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Acura TL (305 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Acura TL weights approximately 698 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Acura TL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Acura TL will offer significantly more control. 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 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Acura TL | |
| Make | Lotus | Acura |
| Model | Esprit | TL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
