2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Audi R8
To start off, 2012 Audi R8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,200 cc (10 cylinders), 2012 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi R8 (560 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2012 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 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, 2012 Audi R8 (539 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Audi R8 has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Audi R8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Esprit | R8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 5200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1267 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2649 mm |
