2002 Lotus Exige vs. 1972 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,815 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1972 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1972 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 230 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
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 Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Nissan Laurel. (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Exige | 1972 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Exige | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1815 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
