1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Nissan Terrano II
To start off, 1998 Nissan Terrano II is newer by 29 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 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan Terrano II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 116 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 900 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1998 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Terrano II will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Nissan Terrano II (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan Terrano II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1998 Nissan Terrano II | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Terrano II |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
