1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 232 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Golf |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 62 L |
