2000 Dodge Caravan vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Dodge Caravan is newer by 19 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2000 Dodge Caravan. (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 733 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2000 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Caravan | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caravan | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2490 mm |
