1998 Acura Integra vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit

To start off, 1998 Acura Integra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1998 Acura Integra. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 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 22 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.

Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Acura Integra. (172 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit
Make Acura Lotus
Model Integra Esprit
Year Released 1998 1989
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
Horse Power 138 HP 216 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 172 Nm 298 Nm
Torque RPM 5200 RPM 4250 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 95.3 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86.4 mm 76.2 mm
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 1148 kg
Vehicle Length 4530 mm 4200 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1120 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2440 mm