1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Xterra is newer by 25 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 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Xterra (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 176 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 2006 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra (385 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
