1987 Buick Skylark vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1987 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Skylark weights approximately 14 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Buick Skylark, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Skylark. 1987 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Skylark | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Skylark | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
