2009 Dodge Viper vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Dodge Viper 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 8,356 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Viper (600 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Viper 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.
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 Viper (759 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 488 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Viper | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 8356 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 600 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 759 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
