1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1995 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 1995 Dodge Dakota is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,906 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (174 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1995 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 341 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota 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, 1995 Dodge Dakota 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, 1995 Dodge Dakota (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 1995 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1995 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Lotus | Dodge |
| Model | Esprit | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3906 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2850 mm |
