1968 Dodge Polara vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 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 15 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Dodge Polara should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Dodge Polara weights approximately 292 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.
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 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1968 Dodge Polara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 1968 Dodge Polara has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 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 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Polara | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1988 |
| 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 | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 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 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5410 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 31 L |
