1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1980 Nissan Skyline is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Nissan Skyline (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 600 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 1980 Nissan Skyline (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1980 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2620 mm |
