1986 Nissan Santana vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan Santana weights approximately 128 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 Lotus Exige 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Nissan Santana, 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan Santana | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Nissan | Lotus |
| Model | Santana | Exige |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2299 mm |
