2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 151 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 282 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.4 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
