1978 Dodge Omni vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Dodge Omni. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Dodge Omni would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP) has 141 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Omni. (75 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Omni. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 148 kg more than 1978 Dodge Omni. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Dodge Omni, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Dodge Omni. (122 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Dodge Omni.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Omni | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Omni | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 216 HP |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |
