1958 Lotus Elite vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 960 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elite | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 76 L |
