1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 47 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 606 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2919 mm |
