1993 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1993 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1993 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 442 kg more than 1993 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2011 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 76 L |
