2006 Audi A6 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Audi A6 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2006 Audi A6. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A6 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi A6, 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, 2006 Audi A6 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A6 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A6 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 71 L |
