1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 23 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 271 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.
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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
