1983 Dodge Charger vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Dodge Charger would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1983 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Dodge Charger weights approximately 30 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Charger | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Charger | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2260 mm |
