1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Audi A5
To start off, 2012 Audi A5 is newer by 32 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, 2012 Audi A5 (211 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A5 weights approximately 554 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2012 Audi A5, 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, 2012 Audi A5 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Audi A5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | A5 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1382 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 67 L |
