2004 Audi A6 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Audi A6 is newer by 23 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Audi A6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2004 Audi A6. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A6 weights approximately 462 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, 2004 Audi A6, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A6. (235 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A6 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A6 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 71 L |
