2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Chrysler 200
To start off, 2012 Chrysler 200 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chrysler 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chrysler 200 (280 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chrysler 200 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chrysler 200 weights approximately 506 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chrysler 200, 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, 2012 Chrysler 200 (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Chrysler 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Chrysler 200 has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chrysler 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Chrysler 200 | |
| Make | Lotus | Chrysler |
| Model | Esprit | 200 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1308 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4948 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2766 mm |
