1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1987 Nissan Vanette
To start off, 1987 Nissan Vanette is newer by 13 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) has 82 more horse power than 1987 Nissan Vanette. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1987 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 400 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Nissan Vanette. (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Nissan Vanette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 1987 Nissan Vanette | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elite | Vanette |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 60 HP |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2080 mm |
