1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 25 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 200 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 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | GTI |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| 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 | 172 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2578 mm |
