1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2002 Nissan Sentra is newer by 22 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 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Sentra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 79 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2002 Nissan Sentra, 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) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Sentra. (245 Nm). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2002 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 245 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 | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
