2009 Chrysler 300 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Chrysler 300 is newer by 29 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chrysler 300 (215 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1980 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, 2009 Chrysler 300 (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Chrysler 300 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler 300 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | 300 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3060 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 67 L |
