1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 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 59 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 319 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
