1989 Audi 100 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Audi 100 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1989 Audi 100. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Audi 100 weights approximately 183 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Audi 100, 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Audi 100. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Audi 100 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2490 mm |
