1999 Audi A4 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Audi A4 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi A4 weights approximately 238 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Audi A4 (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi A4 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 159 HP |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 31 L |
