1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 1181 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 Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1834 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
