2000 Audi S3 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Audi S3 is newer by 19 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. In terms of performance, 2000 Audi S3 (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Audi S3 weights approximately 463 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 2000 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Audi S3 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, 2000 Audi S3 (270 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Audi S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Audi S3 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | S3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | 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 | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 31 L |
