2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (173 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 840 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 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 Grand Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 67 L |
