1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 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 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Dodge Spirit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 568 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Spirit | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
