2003 Dodge Stratus vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Dodge Stratus is newer by 22 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Stratus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Stratus. (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Stratus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Stratus weights approximately 260 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, 2003 Dodge Stratus, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Stratus. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Stratus. 2003 Dodge Stratus 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. 2003 Dodge Stratus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Dodge Stratus | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Dodge | Lotus |
Model | Stratus | Esprit |
Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 214 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
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 | 1380 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 67 L |