1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen T5 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 56 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1203 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 T5, 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, 2008 Volkswagen T5 (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | T5 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| 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 | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 18.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
