1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Nissan Note
To start off, 2008 Nissan Note is newer by 39 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Note is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Note. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Note. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Note weights approximately 293 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, 2008 Nissan Note, 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, 2008 Nissan Note (153 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Note will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2008 Nissan Note | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Note |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 46 L |
