2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,507 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 96 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
