1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP) has 99 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 128 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Passat |
Year Released | 1985 | 1986 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 217 Nm | 101 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 940 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2560 mm |