1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 932 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
