1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 13 kg more than 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Datsun | Lotus |
| Model | Laurel | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
