1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1985 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1985 Nissan Sunny is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Nissan Sunny is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan Sunny (74 HP) has 3 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Sunny should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan Sunny weights approximately 280 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Sunny, 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, 1985 Nissan Sunny (122 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan Sunny will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1985 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elite | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
