1985 Audi 100 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Audi 100 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1985 Audi 100. (70 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Audi 100 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Audi 100, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Audi 100. (123 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Audi 100 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2450 mm |
