1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1982 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Santana 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Santana.
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, 1982 Volkswagen Santana, 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1982 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Santana |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
