2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 156 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caliber | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 256 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 31 L |
