2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 472 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.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Dakota | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2440 mm |
