1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 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 @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 231 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Golf |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1299 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
