1980 Lotus Eclat vs. 2005 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Altima is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Altima (250 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Altima weights approximately 356 kg more than 1980 Lotus Eclat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Eclat 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 Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima, 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, 2005 Nissan Altima (338 Nm) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (217 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Eclat | 2005 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Eclat | Altima |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
