1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Dodge Spirit is newer by 7 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 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Dodge Spirit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 234 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit (232 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Dodge Spirit | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Dodge | Lotus |
Model | Spirit | Esprit |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2972 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 232 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |