1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 29 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 236 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 2009 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
