1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Nissan GT-R
To start off, 2009 Nissan GT-R is newer by 40 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 3,799 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan GT-R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan GT-R (469 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan GT-R should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan GT-R weights approximately 665 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.
Because 2009 Nissan GT-R 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, 2009 Nissan GT-R 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, 2009 Nissan GT-R (588 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 442 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan GT-R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2009 Nissan GT-R has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan GT-R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2009 Nissan GT-R | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | GT-R |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 588 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 310 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 74 L |
