1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2010 Dodge Charger is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Dodge Charger (368 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Dodge Charger weights approximately 653 kg more than 1981 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, 2010 Dodge Charger (535 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2010 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Lotus | Dodge |
| Model | Esprit | Charger |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 368 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 535 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1853 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5083 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1478 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3048 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 72 L |
