2008 Buick Lucerne vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Buick Lucerne is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Buick Lucerne. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Buick Lucerne. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 529 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Buick Lucerne, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Buick Lucerne. (308 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Buick Lucerne. 2008 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Buick Lucerne | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Lucerne | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
