1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 19 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 142 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 16 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2008 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
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 | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 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 | 245 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 | 1148 kg | 1164 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |