1971 Dodge Challenger vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1971 Dodge Challenger. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Dodge Challenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 131 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Dodge Challenger. (233 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Dodge Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Challenger | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Challenger | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2430 mm |
