1995 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Buick Riviera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick Riviera (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Buick Riviera weights approximately 512 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1995 Buick Riviera (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1995 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 1995 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
