1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 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 146 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 92 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2009 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
