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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1972 Nissan Skyline. (85 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 280 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 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Nissan Skyline. (139 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 | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2520 mm |
