1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 19 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 136 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. (79 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 21 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, 2007 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1209 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
