1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 289 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2620 mm |
