1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 529 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (313 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Esprit | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2700 mm |
