1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 18 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 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 347 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, 2002 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1414 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 54 L |
