1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Altima is newer by 16 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Altima. (170 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Altima weights approximately 221 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (237 Nm). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Altima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 76 L |
