1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 70 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 1971 Volkswagen K 70 | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | K 70 |
Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1604 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 123 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2700 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |