1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1993 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1993 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 69 more horse power than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1993 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 1993 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1780 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1220 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |