1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 Datsun 240Z
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Datsun 240Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Datsun 240Z would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Datsun 240Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1971 Datsun 240Z. (151 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Datsun 240Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Datsun 240Z weights approximately 1 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Datsun 240Z. (198 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Datsun 240Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1971 Datsun 240Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Datsun |
| Model | Esprit | 240Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
