1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 22 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 11 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 283 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
