1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 28 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 94 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2008 Nissan 350Z, 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
