1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Reatta (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 416 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta, 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 Buick Reatta (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Reatta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Buick Reatta | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Reatta | Esprit |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 67 L |