2003 Acura EL vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Acura EL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Acura EL. (124 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura EL weights approximately 112 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura EL, 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura EL. (155 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura EL | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | EL | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
