1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Audi A3
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 18 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 34 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi A3 weights approximately 276 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2005 Audi A3, 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, 2005 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | A3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.3 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
