1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Nissan Terrano II
To start off, 1997 Nissan Terrano II is newer by 26 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 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Terrano II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Terrano II. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Terrano II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 755 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1997 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Terrano II 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, 1997 Nissan Terrano II (198 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Terrano II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1997 Nissan Terrano II | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Terrano II |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
