1986 Buick LeSabre vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Buick LeSabre is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1986 Buick LeSabre. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 433 kg more than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1982 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 1982 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Buick LeSabre, 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 LeSabre (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick LeSabre | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | LeSabre | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
