1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1992 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1992 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 57 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1992 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Lotus Esprit | 1992 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Golf |
Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 166 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1245 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2480 mm |