2009 Acura RDX vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Acura RDX is newer by 28 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Acura RDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura RDX (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RDX should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura RDX weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Acura RDX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura RDX 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 RDX (353 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Acura RDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Acura RDX 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. 2009 Acura RDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RDX | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | RDX | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 71 L |
