1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (169 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 143 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 New Beetle, 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2324 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 169 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1349 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2400 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |