1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1972 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1972 Nissan Skyline is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1972 Nissan Skyline. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1972 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 91 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Nissan Skyline. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1972 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1483 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2500 mm |
