1993 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 15 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1993 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Golf |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
