1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Audi A4
To start off, 2012 Audi A4 is newer by 30 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, 2012 Audi A4 (211 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A4 weights approximately 573 kg more than 1982 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A4 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi A4 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Audi A4 has automatic transmission and 1982 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1982 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi A4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Audi A4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | A4 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2809 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
