1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1995 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1995 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 26 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Nissan 300 ZX (279 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 735 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, 1995 Nissan 300 ZX (376 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1995 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 279 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
