1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Audi A3
To start off, 2013 Audi A3 is newer by 24 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) has 34 more horse power than 2013 Audi A3. (138 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2013 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Audi A3 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2013 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | A3 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4292 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2578 mm |
