1998 Acura Integra vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Acura Integra is newer by 17 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Acura Integra. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Acura Integra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura Integra weights approximately 50 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Acura Integra, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Acura Integra. (172 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Acura Integra. 1998 Acura Integra has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Acura Integra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Acura Integra | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | Integra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1170 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 67 L |
