1980 Audi Sport vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Audi Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Audi Sport would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Audi Sport (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Audi Sport should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 67 kg more than 1980 Audi Sport.
Because 1980 Audi Sport 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, 1980 Audi Sport 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, 1980 Audi Sport (330 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Audi Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Audi Sport | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | Sport | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2133 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 31 L |
