1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo 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 123 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 491 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1978 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
