1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 22 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 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 1203 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Polo |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 188 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 | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3920 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 | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
