2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (148 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 493 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser (301 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1613 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 67 L |
