2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 449 kg more than 1980 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 XLR (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | XLR | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 67 L |
