1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 42 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Polo, 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Polo |
Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1390 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 216 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 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 | 245 km/hour | 183 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 | 1148 kg | 1106 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3910 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2590 mm |