2005 Acura RL vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Acura RL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura RL (296 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura RL weights approximately 632 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Acura RL (353 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura RL | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | RL | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1807 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
