1985 Buick Electra vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Buick Electra would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1985 Buick Electra. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Buick Electra weights approximately 252 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Buick Electra, 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 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Buick Electra. (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Buick Electra. 1985 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Buick Electra | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Electra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2440 mm |
