1985 Dodge Charger vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 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 (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1985 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Dodge Charger weights approximately 336 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, 1985 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 (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 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 1985 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Dodge Charger | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Charger | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 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 |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
