1996 Audi A4 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 134 kg more than 1996 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2460 mm |
