1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 256 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
Model | Esprit | Firebird |
Year Released | 1989 | 1971 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5792 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 264 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2750 mm |