1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Volkswagen Citi
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Citi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Citi would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Citi.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Volkswagen Citi | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Citi |
Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 64 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |