2005 Audi RS6 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Audi RS6 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Audi RS6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi RS6 (444 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi RS6 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi RS6 weights approximately 695 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 RS6 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 RS6 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 RS6 (560 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Audi RS6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2005 Audi RS6 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 RS6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi RS6 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | RS6 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 67 L |
