1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 17 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 (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 78 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | GTI |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
