1972 Dodge Challenger vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Dodge Challenger (241 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 338 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, 1972 Dodge Challenger (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Dodge Challenger | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Challenger | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5562 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2490 mm |
