2007 Audi A3 vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Audi A3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2007 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi A3 weights approximately 303 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Audi A3, 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, 2007 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 2007 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
