1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2005 Nissan Micra is newer by 25 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Micra. (88 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 159 kg more than 2005 Nissan Micra. 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, 2005 Nissan Micra, 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Micra. (128 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Micra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1047 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 46 L |
