1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Cadillac BLS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac BLS is newer by 21 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac BLS (179 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac BLS should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac BLS weights approximately 424 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, 2009 Cadillac BLS, 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, 2009 Cadillac BLS (400 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac BLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Cadillac BLS 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. 2009 Cadillac BLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Cadillac BLS | |
| Make | Lotus | Cadillac |
| Model | Esprit | BLS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
