1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 42 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Altima weights approximately 742 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 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, 2011 Nissan Altima, 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Altima |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
