1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lotus Esprit (160 HP) has 8 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Frontier.
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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 152 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3200 mm |
