1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 24 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (209 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 750 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2004 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2004 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. 2004 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Lotus | Dodge |
| Model | Esprit | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 83 L |
