2003 Acura RSX vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Acura RSX is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura RSX weights approximately 46 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Acura RSX | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Acura | Lotus |
Model | RSX | Esprit |
Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 172 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 191 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1176 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2440 mm |