1996 Audi A4 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,598 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A4 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Audi A4 (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2598 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
