1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1981 Nissan Leopard is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 45 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elite | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2630 mm |
