1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 244 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Passat |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 8 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1463 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |