1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 297 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 353 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Santana |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 286 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
