1986 Buick Electra vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1986 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Electra weights approximately 305 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, 1986 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, 1986 Buick Electra (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 1986 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. 1986 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Electra | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Electra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2440 mm |
