1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1985 Nissan Pulsar
To start off, 1985 Nissan Pulsar is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Pulsar. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Pulsar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lotus Elan weights approximately 5 kg more than 1985 Nissan Pulsar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Pulsar, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Pulsar. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Pulsar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1985 Nissan Pulsar | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Pulsar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2420 mm |
