1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 346 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2578 mm |
