1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 21 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 68 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 319 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 104 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 | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
