1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Triumph Dolomite
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Triumph Dolomite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Triumph Dolomite would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1980 Triumph Dolomite. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph Dolomite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 180 kg more than 1980 Triumph Dolomite. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph Dolomite. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph Dolomite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Triumph Dolomite | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Esprit | Dolomite |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 56 L |
