1983 Dodge Charger vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1983 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Dodge Charger weights approximately 345 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Dodge Charger, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Charger | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Charger | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
