2005 Audi A8 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Audi A8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,998 cc, 2005 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi A8 (444 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi A8 weights approximately 789 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Audi A8 (580 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A8 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
