1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (159 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 257 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Esprit | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2740 mm |
