1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 10 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 2,553 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 472 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
