1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Nissan Primera
To start off, 1996 Nissan Primera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Primera. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 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 175 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1990 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 1990 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Primera. (177 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Primera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Nissan Primera | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Primera |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
