1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 366 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
