1999 Audi S8 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi S8 (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S8 weights approximately 663 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 will offer significantly more control. 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 S8 (331 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | S8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 31 L |
