1993 Chrysler Viper vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1993 Chrysler Viper is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 7,985 cc (10 cylinders), 1993 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 384 kg more than 1980 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, 1993 Chrysler Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Chrysler Viper | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7985 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
