2009 Audi A4 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Audi A4 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A4 (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A4 weights approximately 606 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A4 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, 2009 Audi A4 (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A4 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1794 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
