1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 711 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Lotus | Cadillac |
| Model | Esprit | CTS |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 68 L |
