2000 Dodge Neon vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Dodge Neon 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 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2000 Dodge Neon. (150 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Dodge Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Dodge Neon weights approximately 41 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 Neon, 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Dodge Neon. (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Dodge Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Neon | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Neon | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 67 L |
