2006 Audi TT vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Audi TT 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi TT (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi TT should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi TT weights approximately 398 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 TT, 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 TT (282 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Audi TT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi TT | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | TT | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 282 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 31 L |
