1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 107 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Polo |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1174 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
