1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 288 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1999 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 1999 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (542 Nm) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1999 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 | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 268 km/hour |
| 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 | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2430 mm |
