1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 47 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Passat |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2560 mm |
