1989 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia
To start off, 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (197 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia weights approximately 240 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia 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 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia. 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, 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (265 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 1998 Nissan 200 SX Silvia | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | 200 SX Silvia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
