1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1991 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1991 Nissan Sunny is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Nissan Sunny is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1991 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1991 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Nissan Sunny weights approximately 570 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Nissan Sunny. (132 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 1991 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1530 mm |
