1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Plymouth Caravelle
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Plymouth Caravelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Plymouth Caravelle would be higher. At 2,212 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Plymouth Caravelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1985 Plymouth Caravelle. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Plymouth Caravelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 11 kg more than 1985 Plymouth Caravelle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Plymouth Caravelle, 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 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Plymouth Caravelle. (158 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Plymouth Caravelle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Plymouth Caravelle | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Esprit | Caravelle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2212 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
