1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 194 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 61 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1390 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 264 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 130 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 256 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1268 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3010 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |