1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 16 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1062 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 100 L |
