2009 Dodge Sprinter vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Dodge Sprinter is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Sprinter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Sprinter. (155 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Sprinter. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Sprinter weights approximately 760 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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 Dodge Sprinter (380 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Sprinter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Dodge Sprinter has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Sprinter will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Sprinter | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Sprinter | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 7350 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2740 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4330 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 71 L |
