1995 Dodge Viper vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Dodge Viper is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Viper (359 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Viper weights approximately 474 kg more than 1985 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, 1995 Dodge Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 404 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Viper | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 359 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 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 | 1542 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2490 mm |
