1971 Dodge Dart vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Dodge Dart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Dodge Dart would be higher. At 3,249 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Dodge Dart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1971 Dodge Dart. (100 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1971 Dodge Dart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Dodge Dart weights approximately 295 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 1971 Dodge Dart (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Dodge Dart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Dart | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Dart | Elite |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3249 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2490 mm |
