1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 266 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 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 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 | 83 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 | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
