1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Nissan Quest
To start off, 2009 Nissan Quest is newer by 20 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 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Quest is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Quest (235 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Quest should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Quest weights approximately 406 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Nissan Quest, 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, 2009 Nissan Quest (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Quest will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Nissan Quest has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Quest will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Nissan Quest | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Quest |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3160 mm |
