1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Cadillac Catera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 643 kg more than 1982 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, 1996 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit. 1996 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1982 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1982 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | Catera | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
