1976 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 58 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler 1609 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | 1609 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1980 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 31 L |
