1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit 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 98 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 185 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1999 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Polo. (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
