2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1985 Nissan Santana
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan Santana weights approximately 294 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Santana, 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1985 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Exige | Santana |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1985 |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
