2001 Acura NSX vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Acura NSX is newer by 20 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura NSX (480 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Acura NSX (542 Nm) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2001 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2001 Acura NSX 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. 2001 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura NSX | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | NSX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 480 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2490 mm |
