1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 100 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Passat |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
