2008 Audi A8 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Audi A8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A8 (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A8 weights approximately 661 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A8 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, 2008 Audi A8 (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A8 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2440 mm |
