1981 Nissan Leopard vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 328 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Leopard | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Nissan | Lotus |
| Model | Leopard | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2753 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2299 mm |
