1972 Dodge Challenger vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 31 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 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1972 Dodge Challenger. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Dodge Challenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Dodge Challenger. (256 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Dodge Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Dodge Challenger | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Challenger | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 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 | 1345 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2430 mm |
