1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 445 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Altima |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 76 L |
