1998 Buick Regal vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Buick Regal is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Regal (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Regal weights approximately 427 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Regal, 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, 1998 Buick Regal (312 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1998 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Esprit. 1998 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1986 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1986 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Regal | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Regal | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
