1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 263 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2010 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2010 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1463 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 70 L |