1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 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 57 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 191 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, 2005 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (165 Nm). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
