1968 Dodge Polara vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Dodge Polara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Dodge Polara would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Dodge Polara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Dodge Polara (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Dodge Polara should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Dodge Polara weights approximately 413 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Dodge Polara (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Dodge Polara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1968 Dodge Polara has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Dodge Polara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Dodge Polara | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Dodge | Lotus |
Model | Polara | Esprit |
Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 230 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 461 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1067 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5410 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2490 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 31 L |