1998 Holden Nova vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Holden Nova is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 30 kg more than 1998 Holden Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Holden Nova, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Holden Nova | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2440 mm |
