1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 3,344 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1982 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass (251 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit. 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1982 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1982 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Esprit | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
