1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Audi S8
To start off, 2010 Audi S8 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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2010 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Audi S8 (450 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 13 kg more than 2010 Audi S8.
Because 2010 Audi S8 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 S8 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 S8 (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2010 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2010 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Audi S8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | S8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5204 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 90 L |
