1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 28 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (194 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Volkswagen Routan has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Routan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Routan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 78 L |
