1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2011 Dodge Caliber is newer by 31 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2011 Dodge Caliber. (158 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 160 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Caliber, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Lotus | Dodge |
| Model | Esprit | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 51 L |
