1978 Chrysler 160 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chrysler 160. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler 160 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 160. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 160. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 90 kg more than 1978 Chrysler 160. 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 160. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 160.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler 160 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | 160 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1639 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2440 mm |
