2007 Acura RL vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Acura RL is newer by 26 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Acura RL weights approximately 511 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.
Because 2007 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2007 Acura RL 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. 2007 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Acura RL | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | RL | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 31 L |
