1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Nissan NV
To start off, 2012 Nissan NV 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan NV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan NV (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan NV should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan NV weights approximately 1416 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, 2012 Nissan NV (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan NV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Nissan NV 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 Nissan NV will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Nissan NV | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | NV |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 2635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 6111 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 2131 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3711 mm |
