1992 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1992 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1992 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 1263 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 1992 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1992 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Lotus Elan | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1847 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2850 mm |
