1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 23 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 223 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, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Lotus | Nissan |
Model | Esprit | Altima |
Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1398 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4595 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2675 mm |