1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 30 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan Z weights approximately 439 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.
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, 2013 Nissan Z (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Z |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4405 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 72 L |
