1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1989 TVR Speed Eight
To start off, 1989 TVR Speed Eight is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Dodge Spirit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Dodge Spirit would be higher. At 3,947 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 TVR Speed Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 TVR Speed Eight (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 TVR Speed Eight 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 1989 TVR Speed Eight.
Because 1989 TVR Speed Eight 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 1989 TVR Speed Eight. 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, 1989 TVR Speed Eight (340 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (232 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 TVR Speed Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Dodge Spirit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 1989 TVR Speed Eight | |
| Make | Dodge | TVR |
| Model | Spirit | Speed Eight |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 3947 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 71.1 mm |
| 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 | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
