1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 23 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 206 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2651 mm |
