1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 106 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat, 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Passat |
Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1780 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 121 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1100 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 42 L |