1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Nissan Terrano II
To start off, 2000 Nissan Terrano II is newer by 4 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 2,388 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Nissan Terrano II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2000 Nissan Terrano II. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2000 Nissan Terrano II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 605 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2000 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Nissan Terrano II 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Nissan Terrano II. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Nissan Terrano II. 2000 Nissan Terrano II 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. 2000 Nissan Terrano II will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2000 Nissan Terrano II | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elan | Terrano II |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2660 mm |
