2008 Cadillac DTS vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Cadillac DTS 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac DTS (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (264 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 309 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Cadillac DTS, 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 Cadillac DTS (391 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Cadillac DTS 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 Cadillac DTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac DTS | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | DTS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
