1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1972 Audi 80
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Audi 80 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1972 Audi 80. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 264 kg more than 1972 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Audi 80, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Audi 80. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1972 Audi 80 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | 80 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2550 mm |
