1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
