2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1979 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 8,277 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Viper (500 HP) has 340 more horse power than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Dodge Viper (712 Nm) has 495 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 1979 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
