1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 20 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 72 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 41 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, 2007 Volkswagen Polo, 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Polo |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 184 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 | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
