1995 Audi A4 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Audi A4 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1995 Audi A4. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1995 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Audi A4 weights approximately 158 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Audi A4, 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Audi A4. (173 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Audi A4 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 31 L |
