2008 Dodge Viper vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Dodge Viper is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 8,355 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Viper (600 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 385 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Viper weights approximately 503 kg more than 1988 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, 2008 Dodge Viper (759 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Viper | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 8355 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 600 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 759 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| 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 | 1691 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 31 L |
