2005 Cadillac STS vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Cadillac STS is newer by 24 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 3,562 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac STS (252 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac STS weights approximately 670 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Cadillac STS (342 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Cadillac STS 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. 2005 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac STS | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | STS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3562 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 67 L |
