1991 Acura NSX vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Acura NSX is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Acura NSX (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Acura NSX weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 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, 1991 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1991 Acura NSX | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Acura | Lotus |
Model | NSX | Esprit |
Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 2976 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 271 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 284 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2440 mm |