2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1979 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Nissan 260 ZX weights approximately 310 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1979 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Exige | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
