1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 362 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
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, both vehicles can yield 217 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Lotus | Buick |
| Model | Esprit | Century |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2760 mm |
