1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1988 Nissan Vanette
To start off, 1988 Nissan Vanette is newer by 19 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), 1988 Nissan Vanette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1988 Nissan Vanette. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 730 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, 1988 Nissan Vanette (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan Vanette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1988 Nissan Vanette | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Vanette |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2080 mm |
