1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit 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 43 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 328 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
