1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 365 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |