2001 Audi A3 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Audi A3 is newer by 20 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2001 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A3 weights approximately 273 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, 2001 Audi A3, 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, 2001 Audi A3 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Audi A3 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Audi | Lotus |
Model | A3 | Esprit |
Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1967 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 330 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7 seconds |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1067 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |