1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 22 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
