2001 Audi A2 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Audi A2 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2001 Audi A2. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 280 kg more than 2001 Audi A2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A2, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A2. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A2 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A2 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1422 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 895 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
