1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP) has 242 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 375 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1995 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Esprit | Passat |
Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1295 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 301 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 380 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 940 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |