1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2008 Nissan Versa is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit 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 50 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Versa. (122 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Versa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Versa weights approximately 1230 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2008 Nissan Versa, 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Versa. (173 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Versa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Versa |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 50 L |
