2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper 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 8,195 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 342 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Viper weights approximately 403 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 @ 4200 RPM) has 491 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Dodge Viper | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Dodge | Lotus |
Model | Viper | Esprit |
Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 8195 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 | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 712 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |