2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 27 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (302 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 626 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.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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 Dodge Dakota (446 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Dodge Dakota 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. 2008 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Dakota | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 67 L |
