1995 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Nissan GT-R
To start off, 2009 Nissan GT-R is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan GT-R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan GT-R (478 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1995 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan GT-R should accelerate faster than 1995 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan GT-R weights approximately 422 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan GT-R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1995 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan GT-R 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, 2009 Nissan GT-R (588 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan GT-R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Elan. 2009 Nissan GT-R has automatic transmission and 1995 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1995 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan GT-R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Elan | 2009 Nissan GT-R | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | GT-R |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 478 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 588 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2790 mm |
