1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 24 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 93 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 92 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, 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) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (165 Nm). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
