2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (129 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 93 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen T5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5, 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 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen T5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | T5 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3410 mm |
