1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen 1600 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 (210 HP) has 157 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 184 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
