2005 Audi A3 vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi A3 weights approximately 198 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A3, 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.1 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
