1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark 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 3,331 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 5 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark. 1988 Buick Skylark 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 Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Skylark | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 71 L |
