1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1973 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1973 Nissan Skyline is newer by 4 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Nissan Skyline (135 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 296 kg more than 1969 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, 1973 Nissan Skyline (180 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1973 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
