1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Nissan NV
To start off, 2012 Nissan NV is newer by 43 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan NV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan NV (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan NV should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan NV weights approximately 1858 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Nissan NV (521 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan NV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2012 Nissan NV 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. 2012 Nissan NV will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Nissan NV | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | NV |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 521 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 6111 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 2156 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3711 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 106 L |
