1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1987 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1987 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1987 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan Santana weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Nissan Santana. (143 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Nissan Santana. 1987 Nissan Santana has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1987 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Santana |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
