1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 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 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 11 kg more than 2003 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2003 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 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Dodge Spirit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Spirit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 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 | 1316 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
