2007 Acura TL vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit

To start off, 2007 Acura TL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Acura TL (258 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Acura TL weights approximately 262 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1988 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Acura TL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 TL (316 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2007 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2007 Acura TL 1988 Lotus Esprit
Make Acura Lotus
Model TL Esprit
Year Released 2007 1988
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 3201 cc 2174 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 258 HP 215 HP
Engine RPM 6200 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 316 Nm 298 Nm
Torque RPM 5000 RPM 4250 RPM
Engine Bore Size 89 mm 95.3 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86.1 mm 76.2 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 8.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1450 kg 1188 kg
Vehicle Length 4810 mm 4350 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1870 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1160 mm
Wheelbase Size 2750 mm 2440 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 64 L 31 L