2006 Acura RL vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Acura RL is newer by 26 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 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Acura RL weights approximately 372 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.
Because 2006 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura RL | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | RL | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1578 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 67 L |
