1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 483 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 66 L |
