1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 394 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2013 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. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
