2009 Acura MDX vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Acura MDX is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,663 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura MDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura MDX (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura MDX should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura MDX weights approximately 578 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Acura MDX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura MDX 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, 2009 Acura MDX (373 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Acura MDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Acura MDX has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura MDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura MDX | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | MDX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3663 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1784 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 67 L |
