1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1997 Nissan Patrol is newer by 34 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 2,826 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Patrol. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 1278 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Patrol, 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, 1997 Nissan Patrol (178 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Patrol will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1997 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2826 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1820 mm |
