2002 Audi A8 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Audi A8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Audi A8 (191 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Audi A8 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Audi A8, 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, 2002 Audi A8 (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit. 2002 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1990 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1990 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Audi A8 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2771 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3020 mm | 2440 mm |
