1993 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1
To start off, 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Elan would be higher. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1 (543 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1993 Lotus Elan. (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1 should accelerate faster than 1993 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1 weights approximately 78 kg more than 1993 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1 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 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1 (638 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Elan | 2003 Nissan R 390 GT1 | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | R 390 GT1 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 543 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 638 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
