1997 Dodge Viper vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper is newer by 10 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (415 HP) has 243 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 402 kg more than 1987 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 443 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Viper | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| 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 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 415 HP | 172 HP |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 67 L |
