1989 Chrysler Viper vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1995 Lotus Esprit. (301 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1995 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 275 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Esprit. (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chrysler Viper | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
