1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 1999 Nissan Sentra is newer by 30 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1999 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1999 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 71 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, 1999 Nissan Sentra, 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 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1999 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
