1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 279 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
