1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 624 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (373 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Esprit | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2700 mm |
