1998 Audi A6 vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Audi A6 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Audi A6. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Audi A6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Audi A6 weights approximately 313 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Audi A6, 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Audi A6. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Audi A6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Audi A6 | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A6 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
