2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 168 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1308 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
