1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1999 Nissan Laurel is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1999 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1999 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 370 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1999 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 1999 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Nissan Laurel. 1999 Nissan Laurel 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. 1999 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1999 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
