1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 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 44 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 164 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf, 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
