1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 438 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.
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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 58 L |
