1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 33 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 60 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 299 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, 2013 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
