2009 Cadillac DTS vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Cadillac DTS is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac DTS (275 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 568 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Cadillac DTS (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Cadillac DTS has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac DTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac DTS | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | DTS | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
