1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Nissan Primera
To start off, 1996 Nissan Primera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Primera. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Primera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Primera weights approximately 21 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Primera, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Primera. (177 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Primera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Nissan Primera | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Primera |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2610 mm |
