1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 21 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 2,553 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Microbus. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 658 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1725 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
