1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 11 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra. 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 Sentra, 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 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
