1998 Chrysler Concorde vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Chrysler Concorde is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,734 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Chrysler Concorde is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chrysler Concorde (190 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler Concorde should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chrysler Concorde weights approximately 508 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler Concorde, 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, 1998 Chrysler Concorde (255 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Chrysler Concorde will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1998 Chrysler Concorde has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chrysler Concorde will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chrysler Concorde | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | Concorde | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2734 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
