1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1979 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 317 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1979 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
