2008 Acura TL vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Acura TL is newer by 27 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura TL (258 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Acura TL (316 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Acura TL 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. 2008 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura TL | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | TL | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3210 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 | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2490 mm |
