1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Cadillac CTS-V
To start off, 2011 Cadillac CTS-V is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac CTS-V (556 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 384 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac CTS-V weights approximately 740 kg more than 1990 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, 2011 Cadillac CTS-V (746 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Make | Lotus | Cadillac |
| Model | Esprit | CTS-V |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 556 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 746 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2880 mm |
