1998 Audi A6 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Audi A6 is newer by 10 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1998 Audi A6. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 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 257 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, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Audi A6. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A6 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
