1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit 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 (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 31 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2008 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 286 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
