1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Infiniti M
To start off, 2012 Infiniti M is newer by 32 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Infiniti M (360 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Infiniti M weights approximately 667 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. 2012 Infiniti M has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Infiniti M | |
| Make | Lotus | Infiniti |
| Model | Esprit | M |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1873 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4945 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2901 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 67 L |
