1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Altima is newer by 15 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 2,490 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Altima weights approximately 186 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 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, 2005 Nissan Altima (244 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Altima |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2490 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 | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
