1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Altima weights approximately 223 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima, 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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Lotus | Nissan |
Model | Esprit | Altima |
Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 159 HP | 180 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 73 L |