1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 24 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 15 more horse power than 2012 Audi A3. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 382 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2012 Audi A3 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, 2012 Audi A3 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A3. 2012 Audi A3 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. 2012 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | A3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| 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 | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
