2004 Audi A4 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 Audi A4. (170 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A4 weights approximately 546 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4, 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, 2004 Audi A4 (235 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2004 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1784 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 16.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
