1975 Audi 50 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Audi 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Audi 50 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1975 Audi 50. (49 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1975 Audi 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 435 kg more than 1975 Audi 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Audi 50, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Audi 50. (77 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Audi 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Audi 50 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 50 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1091 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 4-speed manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
