1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 447 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Buick Riviera | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Riviera | Esprit |
Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 4130 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 210 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 287 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 95.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1219 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2440 mm |