1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 14 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Golf |
Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 105 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1162 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1490 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1770 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |