1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 168 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 69 L |
