1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2000 Nissan Maxima is newer by 20 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 2,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Nissan Maxima (222 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 334 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.
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, 2000 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2000 Nissan Maxima (292 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm). This means 2000 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
