1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 469 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 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 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Reatta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1984 |
| 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 | 217 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 | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 31 L |
