1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 371 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 804 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2400 mm |
