1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. (137 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 197 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. (169 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 907 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
