1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 1982 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP) has 119 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 367 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Polo. (75 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 1982 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Polo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 39 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 75 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 59 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
