1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1973 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 100 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1973 Nissan Laurel 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 1973 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1973 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
