2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 70 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Esprit | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2630 mm |
