1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1981 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 1981 Nissan Stanza is newer by 12 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 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Stanza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (87 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Stanza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Stanza weights approximately 241 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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, 1981 Nissan Stanza (151 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Stanza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1981 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Stanza |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2480 mm |
