1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 601 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caravan | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2460 mm |
