1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Acura TL
To start off, 2004 Acura TL is newer by 16 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Acura TL (267 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Acura TL weights approximately 390 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Acura TL, 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, 2004 Acura TL (323 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2004 Acura TL 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. 2004 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Acura TL | |
| Make | Lotus | Acura |
| Model | Esprit | TL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
