1970 Datsun 100A Cherry vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. (58 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 561 kg more than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. 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, 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry, 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. (81 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Datsun | Lotus |
| Model | 100A Cherry | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 988 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 67 L |
