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 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Stanza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 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 240 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Stanza. 1981 Nissan Stanza has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Stanza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2480 mm |
