1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist
To start off, 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 115 more horse power than 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. (57 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 154 kg more than 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. 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, 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist, 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist | |
| Make | Lotus | Wartburg |
| Model | Esprit | 1.3 l Tourist |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2460 mm |
