2009 Audi A5 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Audi A5 is newer by 20 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Audi A5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A5 (261 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A5 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A5 weights approximately 325 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 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A5, 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, 2009 Audi A5 (330 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A5 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A5 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
