1989 Lotus Elan vs. 1979 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 170 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1979 Nissan Skyline 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 1979 Nissan Skyline. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Skyline. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 1979 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
