1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 302 kg more than 1988 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 76 L |
