1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Audi A4
To start off, 2010 Audi A4 is newer by 22 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, 2010 Audi A4 (211 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Audi A4 weights approximately 469 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 2010 Audi A4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Audi A4 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, 2010 Audi A4 (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Audi A4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | A4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1826 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2809 mm |
