1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima is newer by 17 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 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 993 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, 2006 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Altima |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 2322 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 76 L |
